University of Sheffield Hiring 4 Research Associates in Animal Studies – £38,784 Salary | Apply by April 12, 2026

The University of Sheffield is inviting applications for four Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) positions in Animal Studies within the humanities and social sciences. This exciting opportunity is part of a prestigious Wellcome Trust Discovery Award project titled Multispecies Mutualisms. The positions are designed for innovative researchers interested in exploring the relationships between humans and animals through interdisciplinary research.

These full-time hybrid roles will begin in September 2026 and run for three years until August 2029. With a starting salary of £38,784 per year, the roles offer early-career researchers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scholarship while working in one of the UK’s leading research universities.

This article explains everything you need to know about the University of Sheffield Research Associate positions, including the project background, responsibilities, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to apply.

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About the University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is globally recognized for its research excellence and commitment to innovation. Located in Sheffield, England, the university consistently ranks among the world’s top institutions for teaching and research.

The institution prides itself on building a diverse academic community where different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. Staff members benefit from a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful contributions to society.

With a strong commitment to equality and inclusion, the university welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourages candidates to apply even if they do not meet every criterion listed in the job description.

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About the Multispecies Mutualisms Research Project

The Multispecies Mutualisms project is an interdisciplinary initiative examining how relationships between humans and animals influence health, wellbeing, and social systems.

The project is led by a team of experienced researchers including Professors Duffy, Cochrane, McKay, and Dr. Giraud. Together, they aim to rethink how partnerships between humans and animals can contribute to physical, mental, and material wellbeing.

At the heart of the project is the concept of multispecies mutualism, which refers to relationships where humans and animals benefit from shared interactions. However, researchers argue that these relationships can sometimes create inequalities or unintended harm if not properly understood.

The project therefore aims to generate new knowledge and theoretical approaches to ensure that human–animal relationships are both ethical and mutually beneficial.

Research will focus on four key domains:

1. Nature-Cure – Bird conservation and environmental wellbeing
2. Home – Relationships with hypoallergenic dogs
3. Food – Ethical dairy production and human–animal food systems
4. Work – Equine therapy and animal-assisted health practices

Through these areas, researchers will explore how multispecies partnerships are represented in society and how they function in real-world practices.

The Research Associate Roles

The University of Sheffield is recruiting four Postdoctoral Research Associates, divided into two main research themes:

1. Research on Representations of Multispecies Mutualism

Two researchers will focus on how multispecies mutualism is represented in public narratives, literature, philosophy, and cultural discourse.

Candidates working in this area may use research methods such as:

• Literary analysis
• Historical research
• Philosophical analysis
• Digital humanities methods
• Discourse analysis

These researchers will examine how the idea of human-animal partnerships is communicated in media, policy discussions, and academic literature.

2. Research on Practices of Multispecies Mutualism

The other two researchers will explore how these human-animal relationships function in real-world contexts.

Potential research methods include:

• Ethnography
• Interviews and focus groups
• Participant observation
• Creative practice
• Photovoice and participatory research

These researchers will engage directly with communities, organizations, and stakeholders involved in activities such as equine therapy, bird conservation, or ethical farming.

Applicants may apply for positions focusing on representations, practices, or both.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will become core members of the Multispecies Mutualisms research team and contribute to the project in several ways.

Key responsibilities include:

• Organizing and conducting field research and data collection
• Analyzing and interpreting research data
• Developing innovative multispecies research methodologies
• Collaborating with project team members and interdisciplinary networks
• Organizing seminars, workshops, and knowledge-exchange events
• Publishing academic articles and reports
• Presenting research at conferences, seminars, and workshops
• Engaging with both academic and non-academic audiences
• Using social media to disseminate research findings
• Supporting project documentation and administrative activities

Researchers will also contribute to the intellectual life of the university by participating in seminars, reading groups, and interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Sheffield Animal Studies Research Centre (ShARC).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet several academic and professional criteria to be considered for these roles.

Essential Requirements

Candidates should have:

• A completed PhD in a relevant discipline, such as sociology, anthropology, geography, philosophy, politics, English, or creative practice
• A background in animal studies or human-animal relations research
• Experience writing and publishing academic research outputs
• Strong collaborative skills for interdisciplinary research projects
• Ability to develop creative approaches to research problems
• Experience adapting disciplinary expertise to interdisciplinary work
• Knowledge of research methodologies relevant to representations or practices of multispecies mutualisms
• Experience organizing or contributing to research events such as seminars or conferences

Desirable Requirements

While not mandatory, the following experience will strengthen an application:

• Collaboration with NGOs, government organizations, or industry partners
• Research related to dairy systems, equine therapy, bird conservation, or hypoallergenic dogs
• Experience working with non-academic stakeholders

Salary, Benefits, and Work Conditions

The Research Associate roles offer an attractive compensation package and numerous professional benefits.

Salary

• £38,784 – £47,389 per year depending on experience
• Grade 7 academic position

Contract Details

• Full-time hybrid position
• Start date: 1 September 2026
• End date: 31 August 2029

Employee Benefits

Staff at the University of Sheffield enjoy an excellent benefits package, including:

• 41 days annual leave including public holidays and university closure days
• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid work options
• A generous pension scheme
• Retail, travel, and dining discounts
• Professional development programs and mentoring opportunities
• Family-friendly policies including parental support and fertility treatment leave
• Staff networks for peer support and social engagement

These benefits ensure a supportive work environment where researchers can thrive professionally and personally.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process for these positions includes several steps designed to assess research potential and collaboration skills.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. A CV
2. A covering letter (maximum 1000 words) explaining how they meet the role criteria
3. An example of research work demonstrating their academic capability

Examples of research work may include:

• Published journal articles
• Research reports
• Grant proposals
• Preprints or unpublished research

The sample should not exceed 10,000 words.

Applicants must also send their writing sample to Project Manager Lucy Dunning via email with the subject line “PDRA 2103.”

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to:

• Deliver a 10-minute presentation explaining how they would conduct their research
• Participate in an interview with the research team

The selection process is expected to take place 18–19 May 2026, and shortlisted candidates will receive interview questions in advance to support preparation.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The University of Sheffield Research Associate positions provide a rare opportunity to work on a major interdisciplinary project exploring the future of human-animal relationships.

Researchers will gain:

• Access to leading scholars in animal studies
• Opportunities to develop innovative research methods
• Experience collaborating with global research networks
• A platform to publish influential academic work
• Career development within a world-class research environment

For scholars passionate about animal studies, environmental ethics, and interdisciplinary research, this role offers an excellent pathway to advance their academic career.

Application Deadline

• Application deadline: 12 April 2026
• Expected start date: 1 September 2026

Interested candidates should prepare their CV, covering letter, and writing sample early to ensure they meet the deadline.